If you want to own a piece of movie history, Chalky’s Lambretta scooter from Quadrophenia is heading to auction.
H and H Auctions is selling the scooter on behalf of the current owner, with the auction date set for 30th October 2024. So plenty of time to save up if you like the idea of owning a significant piece of the Quadrophenia movie.
You might remember Jimmy’s scooter going up for auction way back in 2008 for much more money than this one is going for. Of course, that scooter has more significance, but let’s not downplay this one.
It is listed as a 1977 Lambretta GP200, and it hasn’t had an easy life—both in the film and out of it. Some characters, like the Ace Face, had multiple scooters. Chalky’s scooter was a one-off, and as such, it had to be patched up to keep it going through the film.
As a low-budget movie, that was always going to be the case; however, the scooter also had to be adapted to make it look more in keeping with its 1960s setting. The headset on Chalky’s scooter changes from a rectangular GP to SX type and back again, with the production company deciding it needed to look more ‘60s as filming progressed (and also because the SX one got damaged). See also the ‘bogus’ registration number DCB 647. The original GP head set top is still with the scooter and is included in the lot.
Talking of survival, the movie producers picked up the scooter at a Southend Rally in 1978 (along with other key scooters for the movie). Each scooter had a hire fee of £300, plus extra work for the owners.
After the filming, the scooters, including this one, were returned, but the owner had an issue with the condition/damage. The movie folk sent over a payment of £400 to replace it, with this one being sold on for £100. It was sold on a couple of times since, then disappearing before re-emerging in 1994 at a sale. The current and original owner knew the scooter (and the reg number) and bought it back for ‘nostalgic reasons’.
The scooter has been in his possession since, getting an outing at a Quadrophenia reunion and the ‘Grand Mod Experience’ for Cancer Research at The Grand Hotel Brighton in 2019. The original accessories (still owned) were re-attached. These include the mirrors, Cuppini rear and front racks, front crash bars, and Ulma front bumper, which are all the original pieces (although the flyscreen is a similar replacement but with the original fur).
The scooter is now said to be in good running order and fires up easily. It has a current V5 and can be used immediately on the road. The sale also includes an extensive provenance file and a gala premiere ticket (pictured here).
Fancy it? The auction date is 30th October 2024 at 11am, with the auction taking place at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, West Midlands. The guide price is £9,000 – £11,000, plus a buyer’s premium and VAT. Contact the auction house for more details or to view.
Find out more at the H and H website
